Grow Up Lebron, Losing Happens

They say a pictures worth a 1000 words. The one above is worth so much more for fans of the Orlando Magic, and those holding out hope in New York that LeBron will bolt Cleveland after next season.

In perhaps his defining moment of his career thus far, Dwight Howard was the best player on the court last night, posting up 40 points and grabbing 14 boards in a 103-90 Orlando win to clinch the Eastern Conference title, and set up a showdown with Kobe in the finals.

Cleveland seemed to be out coached throughout this series, as when their defense focused on containing Howard, the wing players of Orlando(Lewis, Pietrus, Turkoglu) would scorch them from the perimeter.

When they tried to zone out the wing, Howard ate up any Cav who tried to guard him. Yesterday’s game was really over at the half, though the Cavs tried to put together a rally late.

LeBron James, for all the hype, all the love given by the media prior to last night, saw his Cavalier team come up short against Orlando when it mattered most. The 66 wins, the homecourt advantage, and the dreams of a championship in 2009 all ended yesterday.

After the game was decided, LeBron left the court without acknowledging the Magic. It was reported by TNT’s Craig Sager that James left the arena, skipping the press conference as well. Obviously you can’t blame him for being upset, but we have also seen some of the best stick around and field questions like a man after a humiliating loss. The man that has been compared to LeBron the most recently, Kobe Bryant, was in a situation like this, and you can see how he handled it.

Watch the 2008 NBA Finals interview here.

There will be many questions this offseason in Cleveland about what they should do now. But one thing is certain, next season they must close the deal. Much like the Lakers were focused on getting back to the finals this year, Cleveland has to realize they have to make next season THE SEASON, no excuses.

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